Game blog: Spurs 98, Hawks 93 (Final)

It wasn’t the most beautiful of victories. But with Tim Duncan resting and Manu Ginobili ailing, the Spurs will certainly take it.

Tony Parker shouldered much of the load, scoring 10 of his 23 points in the final six minutes as the Spurs broke open what had been a one-point game early in the quarter. He capped a 7-0 run with a three-point play, and the Spurs were on their way.

Parker added 12 assists for the Spurs, who also got 17 points off the bench from Matt Bonner and 14 apiece from starters Kawhi Leonard and Tiago Splitter.

The Hawks, who were led by Kyle Korver’s 19 points, briefly took the lead midway through the third quarter but were unable to make a decisive move. Sorely missing the injured Lou Williams’ instant offense off the bench, they shot only 41.2 percent despite the absence of Duncan.

Third quarter: Spurs 72, Hawks 70

The Hawks came out with more purpose in the third, engineering several runs to erase large deficits. First, 8-2 to start the quarter, then 9-2 late after the Spurs had pushed back ahead by seven. Long-time Spurs antagonist Devin Harris 10 points in the period, including a 3-pointer to tie the game at 70-all.

Halftime: Spurs 52, Hawks 42

The Spurs closed the half with a 12-3 run after Atlanta had closed to within a point.

Matt Bonner — yes, Matt Bonner — is leading the way with 11 points in 12 minutes off the bench. Kawhi Leonard, who didn’t score a point in Friday’s home victory over Golden State, is close behind with 10. His late 3-pointer gave the Spurs their largest lead at 12 before Jeff Teague’s buzzer-beating layup.

Tony Parker, the only active member of the Spurs’ championship triumvirate, has just seven points but has been an active playmaker with eight assists.

The Hawks continue to struggle on offense, shooting just 43.9 percent with nine turnovers. Kyle Korver is about the only thing keeping them afloat with a game-high 13 points.

First quarter: Spurs 25, Hawks 16

The Spurs, playing without Tim Duncan (rest) and Manu Ginobili (strained hamstring), closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run to take early control. Seven players have already scored, including Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Kawhi Leonard with a team-high five points. Even without their defensive anchor, the Spurs are holding Atlanta to 40-percent shooting with six turnovers.